I was reading a post about Götz von Berlichingen and apparently he lost his hand . He got a prosthetic made of metal and was said to be able to hold a quill and write with it . How would that work exactly because I wouldn’t think that putting a metal hand over a forearm would allow for any use.
In: Technology
Short answer: springs designed to hold the fingers in any position they were placed:
“The first of these was a simple device that consisted of a glove with a thumb and fingers attached to it, and is said to have been made by a village blacksmith and saddle maker. The fingers could be brought inward, hence allowing Gotz to grip his sword. Some aesthetic attention was paid to the prosthetic during the creation, as certain life-like details where found on it. For instance, sculpted fingernails and wrinkles at the knuckles can be seen on it.
The second device extended to the end of the knight’s forearm, and was held in place with a leather strap. Gotz decided to have joints on its fingers, which offered him a better grip of his weapon. Furthermore, spring-loaded mechanisms were placed within the hand, which allowed the fingers to be locked into place. With this prosthesis he was able to hold the reins of his horse, and even pick up a quill to write.”
[Sourcey-source](http://www.historynaked.com/gotz-iron-hand/)
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